Installing a New Deck On Your Cape Cod Home

Building decks these days has become more than just tossing up a
rectangle. The outdoor deck space has turned into an outdoor living space. The
first item to check is with the local building department for the permitting
requirements. The frame construction should still be made of pressure treated
(www.wolmanized.com) framing materials.
All hardware is galvanized. If you are near the water stainless steel is a
better option.

The footings required have to meet the currents building codes as does
the framing structure. Typically, a footing is ten inches wide and four feet
deep. I hand mix the concrete and use "IN THE CONCRETE" post bases.

There is a wide range of decking materials available now from the basic
pressure treated decking, to cedars, mahoganies, vertical grain fir and
composites like Latitudes that has simulated wood grain on it . It is
made in several colors (www.latitudesdecking.com). Decking
is available in various widths, but I prefer the 5/4 X 6 inch materials.
Fastening the decking has also become art in it self too with various fasteners
on the market (www.fastenmaster.com).
I like to face screw the composite decking two per board per joist with color
matched screws with or without plugs. The railings are as diverse as the
decking materials. I do have a preference for the baluster configuration, so
check out the web site for the Mid-Cape
Home Center. Railings have to meet the current code and of course the
design varies also; so we will have to discuss all this before we proceed with
the permitting process.

Now I want to congratulate you and hope that you enjoy your new
roof, siding,
windows, doors and now a deck. You have just completed an exterior remodeling
project. So, now you can tell all your family and friends who did your
homes exterior makeover.